Seniors have new option for help during emergencies

Lifeline volunteer Steve Wentz (right) installed the new system in P.G. Caudell’s home earlier this year.

HOMER – A Navy veteran is just one of many people maintaining their independence thanks to the added safety, confidence and security of a new product offered by Lifeline of Northeast Georgia Medical Center. Lifeline’s HomeSafe service, which was installed in P.G.Caudell’s home in Banks County earlier this year, is a new wireless emergency medical alert system.

“I am able to spend my time taking care of my 25 acres of land and planning an annual naval ship reunion without worrying,” says Caudell, “I am comforted to know I have the ability to call for help 24 hours a day, with the touch of a button.”

Caudell was born in 1925 and grew up in Banks County before joining the Navy. Shortly after being honorably discharged, he married Ruby Roberson in 1947 and returned to his hometown. During the next 10 years, they had three daughters: Carolyn, Debbie and Kathy.

Caudell worked for Johnson & Johnson until the late 1970s, when he was forced to retire earlier than planned due to back problems from injuries sustained during World War II. After many surgeries, he now has advanced neuropathy in his legs from nerve damage.

Ruby passed away in August 2008, after 62 years of marriage. Caudell lived alone for several years after her passing, but, due to his age and increasing weakness in his legs, his daughters began researching options for a medical alert device so he could get help in an emergency.

Caudell and his daughters met Dianne Appling, Lifeline coordinator at Northeast Georgia Health System, at a local health fair, where they learned about the Lifeline system.

“Many seniors today have given up their landlines and only use cell phones,” says Appling. “In the past, we were unable to provide Lifeline for those without a home phone, but now HomeSafegives access to help with no landline needed.”

LifeLine provides access to help 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, for $50 per month.

For more information about Lifeline services, call 770-219-8899 or visitwww.nghs.com/Lifeline.